Much of this week’s resource news was driven by politics. The biggest development being the Philippines’ mine ban, with protectionist moves in U.S. oil and gas also having critical implications for investors, end users, and project developers. And there’s a common thread to both these stories. Nationalism. Much has been written the last year on the rise of nationalistic parties and leaders around the global. With big implications for defence, trade and security. But nationalism is also impacting energy and mining. A year ago, no one predicted the Philippines would install a staunch environmentalist as head of mining — the way President Rodrigo Duterte did almost immediately after his election. A big motivation for Duterte is showing outside interests who’s boss inside Philippines borders. The president has little love for foreign mining companies, which are some of the biggest international investors in the Philippines. That’s turned into a major […]